A Hip Day in the Springs

A wonderful weekend in Colorado Springs with my beauty. 

Garden of the gods

such a talented photographer

artistic quote from our lunch menu

playing in the Colorado sunshine

crazy stores

chess showdown at a local coffee shop 

Jillian and I have a "Book of Epic Adventures" with a list of a fun things for us to do and places to document it. We knocked off the first one of the summer: go on an epic hipster date.

A quick road trip down I-25 brought us to the beautiful Garden of the gods and the fascinating Old Colorado City. We explored antique shops, photography joints, looked at Tibeten clothing, and hung in a trendy coffee shop (and I actually drank coffee). We also made a few oddball friends including a hippie in what can only be described as a hippie shop, and a long haired, bearded man who believes in magic and considers himself a wand expert. We ended our adventure in the Springs with my new favorite pastime, a round of disc golf. 

Is there anything better than summertime in Colorado?

Goodbye and Hello

After graduating from Baylor, I made a quick visit home to Deerfield, IL. I got to spend some time with a city that I truly do love and have enjoyed watching my brother and sister call home. A short two weeks later and I headed out west in gool ol' LC 2.0. *Quick note, my Landcruiser (LC) broke down on the way back from Texas and stranded me, Jake Patterson, and Will Meier in a small St. Louis town for five hours.  She got a bit of a facelift while I was home and is running as well as the day she was birthed by the Japanese. Thus her new name, LC 2.0 or just LC for short. 

Throughout the 13 1/2 hour drive I had plenty of time to sing The Head and the Heart, Phil Wickham, and plenty other great tunes at the top of my lungs (thanks spotify premium). I also had time to think about the new adventure that awaits me in Castle Rock, Colorado. About all the kids that God is calling me to pour into, and the different ways He wants to challenge and stretch me. 

my new home

I recently read a newsletter from a friend who provided some much needed encouragement in his letter. He wrote something that has stuck with me for the past week as I have been out here in Castle Rock and working for Plum Creek Community Church. He wrote:

I am not here by accident. 

God sent me. 

To these people. 

At exactly this time.

For me, it's easy to get bogged down and think I am not needed. The reality is that I am really not needed at all. But yet God has appointed me to His people to share His good news of love, grace, and beauty. The truth behind that idea calms my heart, gives me peace, and motivates me to work hard for His Kingdom. I am still a little unsure of all He has for me at Plum Creek and their student ministries, by I rest assured knowing He has me exactly where He desires. 

His beauty surrounds me. View from outside my back door.